The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1887-01-09
".BAXTER'S SAINTS REST. "

lily Strlpeu awnings uutteIcu 1aDS u'ufy duu
the sails of the boats tapped idly in the
faint breeze that rustled across the waves.
Crowds Of idle pleasure seekers sauntered
to and fro across the snowy sands of the
beach of Maid. famous seaside resort.
A gentleman moodily contemplated the
various phases of human life drifting be-
fore him. He caught himself smiling at
the gambols eff fairy looking boy, with
long curls, who galloped. or trotted, or
sedately walked by the side of young
lady. Then the lady attracted him next
She had walked past him several times
and his gaze became severer each time.
She was senderly but compactly formed,
just tall enough for grace and to escape
being called "dumpy." Her hair was lus-
trous brown, so were her eyes, and her
complexion far beyond compare. Wien
in repose there was an air of sadness, like
a veil, over her features; but when she
smiled or talked to the little boy her face
became animated, and her fitting expires.
sion charmed the beholder.
Il should like to know her, - muttered
Stanhope Baxter, at last. Il will try to
find some one to introduce me-"
low her to her hotel. 1t was the same at
which he was booked.
There was a hop that night.
He caught glimpse of the brown-eyed
lady, languidly dancing with friend of
his His heart beat. a little faster for the
sight.
"Fool that amp he sneered. ''I, who
have weighed women and found them
wanting-I, to become interested in one
for the hundredth timer
But irresstibly he was drawn to his
friend as he saw him plotting the lady to
seat. A hand on his shoulder caused
the friend to glaace around. Stanhope
Bakers gray eyes were on level with
his own.
evil you introduce me?" he breathed
Mrs. Greer, allow me-my friend, Stan
hope Baxter
Mrs. Greer raised her eyes, then gave
him little gracious bow.
care you fond of ,dancing?" he asked,
for his friend had dsereetly withdrawn,
Mot very" she answered, in a voice
peculiarly rich and sweet, with thread of
pathos running through lis sweetness.
"lf you are not too tired, may ask you
TO promenade? / detest dancing"
Thank you; butt am little fa-
tigued"
Then he sat down near her.
How lovely she wasl
Stanhope Baxter slandered himself when
he said he was easily interested in women
Years ago a girl whom he had loved with
youthful ardor had Tilted him for a richer
lover The blow had been severe and
deep, destroying his faith, and he had
walked the earth since then one of its in
habItants, but apart from them, a lonely
brooding man. To-day this woman had
unconsciously stirred him to the depths
Why, he could nots explain, for he had
travelled in many lands and seen the beau
ties of all nations. But this woman, with
her air of faiDtly-yeiled sadness and her
pathetic voice, seemed destined to absorb
his SOUL
They met daily. and almost always the
fairy boy was with her. She seemed pas
one day when the little fellow called her
'sAuntie."
why does he cal you that?' Stanhope
asked.
Because am his aunt He is the only
child of my sister. She and her husband
died of yellow fever 10 Savannah The
child was sent to me. l never had any
children of my own, so that he has be-
come very dear to me. =
"And yet you do not impress one as
being an affectionate woman"
She looked away from him. For mo-
nent he saw pi,iful quivering of her lips
as her lovely profile was turned to him,
then her mouth grew firmer.
''Once thought was. but now think
you are right. 1t seems to me that have
lost all womanly softness,' she explained,
the natural pathos of her voice deepen
ing
Forgive me. did not mean to wound
you" he said, moving little nearer to
her, in his sympathy.
''You have not wounded ne, for you
have only told me what many others have.
A thricetold tale grows wearisome in
time, but fails 10 wound"
She smiled, and the whole expression of
her face changed Tie greatest charm of
womans face was hers-the charm of
expression.
Quietly this man watched and studied
her. Clearly she had suffered; but suffer
ing had not soured her nature. 1t had
made her sympathies keener, her pity
holier and her forgiveness of divine
breadth.
And so the golden weeks at the seashore
Slided by uncounted by these two, with
the difference that, while she was uucon-
&c GUS of loving him, he had come to re-
gard her as part OF himself, one day 10
be his wife.
Life seemed new to him. Earth, sky
and sea were radiant with new light
and he felt as ii intoxicated with strong
wine.
One day they sat idly under the awning
of a sailboat fastened to the beach. A
red parasol threw its beautiful reflected
fame over her fair face, while book was
ca elessly elasped in one hand. She was
n reclining iudolently on the cushions, while
5ne So 'th.ghtIy apart. but noting her every
tuA Il and Gesture Macy, her nephew,
was scramhling in the sand near them.
needless Of all else except himself aud his